What is worse than being a boss? Being a bridesmaid – 3 Leadership Hacks

A recent Google SEO search found that the only phrase searched for more often than ‘I hate being a boss’ is ‘I hate being a bridesmaid.’

My perspective on the latter is limited, but as a many-time usher and best man, I hated renting that ill-fitting, used suit.

Likely, as much as ladies hate to buy that poufy dress, they will only wear it once.

I surveyed clients to find out what they hated about being a boss:

• 90% of new leaders felt their company failed to prepare them for the new role;
• 42% of new managers had no idea what they needed to do to be successful;
• 50% only took the job because it came with higher pay; and
• 75% did not want to be responsible for people

Most organizations do a lousy job of preparing people to be promoted.

Many supervisors are thrown into the deep end to sink or swim.

They described their job as stressful and overwhelming and often regret being promoted.

If you are being considered a leader and in the absence of other supports, I would suggest you do three things:

3 Hacks to Avoid Being the bridesmaid:

1. Ask Your Boss For Their Performance Objectives 

Everyone has a boss – even your boss.

And everyone has been given performance objectives.

Schedule time with your boss and ask how you can support their success.

Then, take responsibility for following up to see how to work together on those objectives.

Just as you contribute to your boss’s success, your Team contributes to yours, so ensure they understand your expectations.

Click to learn about partnering with your boss.

2. Resolve Difficult Situations

You will face difficult situations.

Your people will have personal issues. Interpersonal conflict, and performance issues.

Do not let them fester

Commit to dealing with these issues promptly. 

Remember, you are not in this alone. It may feel like that was the case, so get support from your boss and the HR Team.

Click to learn about challenges

3. Schedule time with each member of your Team

Giving instructions and then walking away, hoping that everything will be done according to your expectations, is the ultimate in management irresponsibility.

Get out from behind your desk and see what is going on.

Ask them what they are, when, whether they are on a deadline, and whether they need help.

Remember that the quality of your questions and conversations will give you all the information you need to ensure you can meet your objectives.

Click to learn more about talking to your people

Finally

Do not be passive.

You are talking about your career, success, and peace of mind.

Do not wait for direction from your boss or company, which may not come promptly or at all.

Invest in yourself through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.